Understanding Mass Spectra: A Basic Approach [Hardcover]

R. Martin Smith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471297046 | ISBN-13: 978-0471297048 | Publication Date: December 11, 1998 | Edition: 1

A real-world guide to interpreting mass spectral data Although modern hardware and software systems have taken most of the "grunt work" out of mass spectrometry, even the most sophisticated automated systems have their limitations. For this reason, it is critical that mass spectrometrists possess the interpretative skills needed to avoid false positive identifications, overlooked unknowns, and missed research opportunities. This book provides them with a straightforward way to acquire those skills. Drawing upon his many years as a forensic chemist and an instructor of mass spectral interpretation, R. Martin Smith combines coverage of the principles underlying mass spectral analysis with clear guidelines on how to apply them in a laboratory setting. Writing from the perspective of a professional analytical chemist-but at a level accessible to chemistry undergraduates-he approaches the subject within the context of several key unifying concepts from organic and physical chemistry, including the roles of molecular orbitals in the ionization process and "electron pushing" for rationalizing reaction mechanisms. Discussions of instrumentation are the result of a collaboration with Kenneth L. Busch, a recognized expert in mass spectrometry, who served as technical editor for the book. Designed to serve equally well as a professional tutorial or an advanced textbook, Understanding Mass Spectra features:
* A detailed overview of theory and instrumentation
* Step-by-step descriptions of interpretative strategies
* Many fascinating real-world case studies and examples
* Skill-building problems with clearly explained answers
* Easy-to-follow explanations of all important mathematical derivations
* Convenient lists and tables detailing information needed to solve unknowns

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...the author manages to go well beyond the obvious and expected explanations...[to provide] a set of guidelines to follow for successful spectral interpretation." (Journal of Chemical Education, May 2005)

"Smith does an excellent job of taking readers through a myriad of basic concepts and tying them all together to develop useful skills for spectral interpretation." (CHOICE, February 2005)

"This book would do well to serve as a basis for an upper level undergraduate or graduate course…" (Journal of Natural Products, February 2005)

From the Back Cover

A real-world guide to interpreting mass spectral data Although modern hardware and software systems have taken most of the "grunt work" out of mass spectrometry, even the most sophisticated automated systems have their limitations. For this reason, it is critical that mass spectrometrists possess the interpretative skills needed to avoid false positive identifications, overlooked unknowns, and missed research opportunities. This book provides them with a straightforward way to acquire those skills. Drawing upon his many years as a forensic chemist and an instructor of mass spectral interpretation, R. Martin Smith combines coverage of the principles underlying mass spectral analysis with clear guidelines on how to apply them in a laboratory setting. Writing from the perspective of a professional analytical chemist-but at a level accessible to chemistry undergraduates-he approaches the subject within the context of several key unifying concepts from organic and physical chemistry, including the roles of molecular orbitals in the ionization process and "electron pushing" for rationalizing reaction mechanisms. Discussions of instrumentation are the result of a collaboration with Kenneth L. Busch, a recognized expert in mass spectrometry, who served as technical editor for the book. Designed to serve equally well as a professional tutorial or an advanced textbook, Understanding Mass Spectra features:
* A detailed overview of theory and instrumentation
* Step-by-step descriptions of interpretative strategies
* Many fascinating real-world case studies and examples
* Skill-building problems with clearly explained answers
* Easy-to-follow explanations of all important mathematical derivations
* Convenient lists and tables detailing information needed to solve unknowns

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 1 edition (December 11, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471297046
• ISBN-13: 978-0471297048
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,402,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Figure out what you're looking at., February 6, 2004

By 

J. Duncan (San José, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding Mass Spectra: A Basic Approach (Hardcover)

I just completed a three day course with Marty with his text as the outline. Absolutely helpful! Training in controlled substance analysis often only includes pattern recognition for comparison of unknown samples to standards. The information in this book will get you well on your way to recognizing what is going on in the spectra you already know and will help provide information when no standard matches. Thanks Marty, this book is a great reference assistant!